Consulta Intra-Hospitalar de Medicina Interna

O apoio clínico aos serviços hospitalares representa uma parcela importante da actividade dos serviços de Medicina Interna. Esta actividade não está quantificada e é muitas vezes subvalorizada. Os autores, com a finalidade de caracterizarem a carga de trabalho desenvolvida pela Medicina Interna na área da consulta intra-hospitalar, realizaram um trabalho prospectivo com a duração de 12 meses, quantificando e caracterizando os pedidos de observação recebidos. Foram acolhidos 556 pedidos de consulta. Mais de metade das chamadas foram feitas a partir das 16 horas e 18% requisitadas com carácter de urgência. Atenderam-se no próprio dia 96,9% dos pedidos de observação. A maioria dos pedidos de consulta foram provenientes das áreas de Ortopedia e Traumatologia (33%), Cirurgia Geral (18%) e Unidade de Cuidados Intermédios Cirúrgica (17%). Os principais motivos de chamada foram intercorrências dos foros cardiovascular, infeccioso ou neurológico. Nas chamadas recebidas no horário normal de trabalho não houve contacto com o Médico assistente do doente em 54% dos casos. Esta vertente da actividade assistencial representa uma importante carga de trabalho adicional, com crescente relevância na qualidade dos cuidados médicos prestados. Os nossos resultados realçam a necessidade de formalizar um serviço de consulta intrahospitalar em cada serviço de Medicina e de incluir esta actividade em futuros planos de formação.

Psychosocial Morbidity and its Correlates in Cancer Patients of the Mediterranean Area: Findings from the Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study

BACKGROUND: A few and partial data are available on psychosocial morbidity among cancer patients in Mediterranean countries. As a part of a more general investigation (Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study-SEPOS), the rate of psychosocial morbidity and its correlation with clinical and cultural variables were examined in cancer patients in Italy, Portugal and Spain. METHODS: A convenience sample of cancer outpatients with good performance status and no cognitive impairment were approached. The Hospital Anxiety-Depression scale (HAD-S), the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale (Mini-MAC), and the Cancer Worries Inventory (CWI) were used to measure psychological morbidity, coping strategies and concerns about illness. RESULTS: Of 277 patients, 34% had pathological scores ("borderline cases" plus "true cases") on HAD-S Anxiety and 24.9% on HAD-S Depression. Total psychiatric "caseness" was 28.5% and 16.6%, according to different HAD cut-offs (14 and 19, respectively). Significant relationships of HAD-S Anxiety, HAD-S Depression, HAD-S Total score, with Mini-MAC Hopeless and Anxious Preoccupation, and CWI score were found. No differences emerged between countries on psychosocial morbidity, while some differences emerged between the countries on coping mechanisms. Furthermore, Fatalism, Avoidance and marginally Hopeless were higher compared to studies carried out in English-speaking countries. LIMITATIONS: The relatively small sample size and the good performance status prevent us to generalize data on patients with different cancer sites and advanced phase of illness. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of the patients presented anxiety and depressive morbidity, with significant differences in characteristics of coping in Mediterranean countries in comparison with English-speaking countries.

Use of Distress and Depression Thermometers to Measure Psychosocial Morbidity Among Southern European Cancer Patients

GOALS OF WORK: Recent literature has indicated the need for rapid evaluation of psychosocial issues secondary to cancer. Because of the problems of routine use of psychometric instruments, short instruments such as visual analogue scales or one-item 0-10 scales have been developed as valid assessment alternatives. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A study was conducted to examine the role of two 0-10 scales in measuring emotional stress (distress thermometer, DT) and depressed mood (mood thermometer, MT), respectively, in a multicenter study carried out in southern European countries (Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland). A convenience sample of 312 cancer outpatients completed the DT and MT and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). MAIN RESULTS: DT was more significantly associated HADS anxiety than HADS depression while MT was related both to HADS anxiety and depression. The correlation of MT with HADS was higher than DT. A cutoff point >4 on the DT maximized sensitivity (65%) and specificity (79%) for general psychosocial morbidity while a cutoff >5 identified more severe "caseness" (sensitivity=70%; specificity=73%). On the MT, sensitivity and specificity for general psychosocial morbidity were 85% and 72% by using the cutoff score >3. A score >4 on the MT was associated with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 77% in detecting more severe caseness. CONCLUSIONS: Two simple instruments, the DT and the MT, were found to have acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity in detecting psychosocial morbidity. Compared to the HADS, however, the mood MT performed better than the DT.

Risk of Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease in the Adult: a Multicentered European Study

BACKGROUND: Surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) has changed considerably during the last three decades. The results of primary repair have steadily improved, to allow treating almost all patients within the pediatric age; nonetheless an increasing population of adult patients requires surgical treatment. The objective of this study is to present the early surgical results of patients who require surgery for CHD in the adult population within a multicentered European study population. METHODS: Data relative to the hospital course of 2,012 adult patients (age > or = 18 years) who required surgical treatment for CHD from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2004 were reviewed. Nineteen cardiothoracic centers from 13 European countries contributed to the data collection. RESULTS: Mean age at surgery was 34.4 +/- 14.53 years. Most of the operations were corrective procedures (1,509 patients, 75%), followed by reoperations (464 patients, 23.1%) and palliative procedures (39 patients, 1.9%). Six hundred forty-nine patients (32.2%) required surgical closure of an isolated ostium secundum atrial septal defect. Overall hospital mortality was 2%. Preoperative cyanosis, arrhythmias, and NYHA class III-IV, proved significant risk factors for hospital mortality. Follow-up data were available in 1,342 of 1,972 patients (68%) who were discharged home. Late deaths occurred in 6 patients (0.5%). Overall survival probability was 97% at 60 months, which is higher for corrective procedures (98.2%) if compared with reoperations (94.1%) and palliations (86.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of CHD in adult patients, in specialized cardiac units, proved quite safe, beneficial, and low-risk.

Do Spirituality and Faith Make a Difference? Report from the Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study Group

OBJECTIVE: In the last decade, some attention has been given to spirituality and faith and their role in cancer patients' coping. Few data are available about spirituality among cancer patients in Southern European countries, which have a big tradition of spirituality, namely, the Catholic religion. As part of a more general investigation (Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study--SEPOS), the aim of this study was to examine the effect of spirituality in molding psychosocial implications in Southern European cancer patients. METHOD: A convenience sample of 323 outpatients with a diagnosis of cancer between 6 to 18 months, a good performance status (Karnofsky Performance Status > 80), and no cognitive deficits or central nervous system (CNS) involvement by disease were approached in university and affiliated cancer centers in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland (Italian speaking area). Each patient was evaluated for spirituality (Visual Analog Scale 0-10), psychological morbidity (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale--HADS), coping strategies (Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer--Mini-MAC) and concerns about illness (Cancer Worries Inventory--CWI). RESULTS. The majority of patients (79.3%) referred to being supported by their spirituality/faith throughout their illness. Significant differences were found between the spirituality and non-spirituality groups (p ≤ 0.01) in terms of education, coping styles, and psychological morbidity. Spirituality was significantly correlated with fighting spirit (r = -0.27), fatalism (r = 0.50), and avoidance (r = 0.23) coping styles and negatively correlated with education (r = -0.25), depression (r = -0.22) and HAD total (r = -0.17). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Spirituality is frequent among Southern European cancer patients with lower education and seems to play some protective role towards psychological morbidity, specifically depression. Further studies should examine this trend in Southern European cancer patients.

Resultados da Angioplastia Primária num Centro de Referência. Evolução Intra-Hospitalar

INTRODUCTION: Primary angioplasty is accepted as the preferred treatment for acute myocardial infarction in the first 12 hours. However, outcomes depend to a large extent on the volume of activity and experience of the center. Continuous monitoring of methods and results obtained is therefore crucial to quality control. OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic, clinical and angiographic characteristics as well as in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing primary PCI in a high-volume Portuguese center. We also aimed to identify variables associated with in-hospital mortality in this population. METHODS: This was a retrospective registry of consecutive primary PCIs performed at Santa Marta Hospital between January 2001 and August 2007. Demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1157 patients were identified, mean age 61+/-12 years, 76% male. Mean pain-to-balloon time was 7.6 hours and primary angiographic success was 88%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 6.9%, or 5.5% if patients presenting in cardiogenic shock were excluded from the analysis. Previous history of heart failure, cardiogenic shock on admission, invasive ventilatory support, major hemorrhage, and age over 75 years were found to be associated with increased risk of in-hospital death. Conclusions: In this center primary PCI is effective and safe. Angiographic success rates and in-hospital mortality and morbidity are similar to other international registries. Patients at increased risk for adverse outcome can be identified by simple clinical characteristics such as advanced age, cardiogenic shock on admission, mechanical ventilation and major hemorrhage during hospitalization.

The Arterial Switch Operation in Europe for Transposition of the Great Arteries: a Multi-Institutional Study from the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzes the results of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries in member institutions of the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association. METHODS: The records of 613 patients who underwent primary arterial switch operations in each of 19 participating institutions in the period from January 1998 through December 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A ventricular septal defect was present in 186 (30%) patients. Coronary anatomy was type A in 69% of the patients, and aortic arch pathology was present in 20% of patients with ventricular septal defect. Rashkind septostomy was performed in 75% of the patients, and 69% received prostaglandin. There were 37 hospital deaths (operative mortality, 6%), 13 (3%) for patients with an intact ventricular septum and 24 (13%) for those with a ventricular septal defect (P < .001). In 36% delayed sternal closure was performed, 8% required peritoneal dialysis, and 2% required mechanical circulatory support. Median ventilation time was 58 hours, and intensive care and hospital stay were 6 and 14 days, respectively. Although of various preoperative risk factors the presence of a ventricular septal defect, arch pathology, and coronary anomalies were univariate predictors of operative mortality, only the presence of a ventricular septal defect approached statistical significance (P = .06) on multivariable analysis. Of various operative parameters, aortic crossclamp time and delayed sternal closure were also univariate predictors; however, only the latter was an independent statistically significant predictor of death. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the procedure in European centers are compatible with those in the literature. The presence of a ventricular septal defect is the clinically most important preoperative risk factor for operative death, approaching statistical significance on multivariable analysis.

Results of Surgery for Ebstein Anomaly: a Multicenter Study from the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association

OBJECTIVE: Since most centers' experience with Ebstein anomaly is limited, we sought to analyze the collective experience of participating institutions of the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association with surgery for this rare malformation. METHODS: The records of all 150 patients (median age 6.4 years) who underwent surgery for Ebstein anomaly in the 13 participating Association centers between January 1992 and January 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with congenitally corrected transposition were excluded. RESULTS: Most patients (81%) had Ebstein disease type B or C and significant functional impairment (61% in New York Heart Association class III or IV) and 16% had prior operations. Surgical procedures (n = 179) included valve replacement (n = 60, 33.5%), valve repair (n = 49, 27.3%), 1(1/2) ventricle repair (n = 46, 25.6%), palliative shunt (n = 13, 7.26%), and other complex procedures (n = 11, 6.14%). There were 20 hospital deaths (operative mortality 13.3%) after valve replacement in 5 patients, valve repair in 3, 1(1/2) ventricle repair in 7, palliative procedures in 3, and miscellaneous procedures in 2. Younger age and palliative procedures were univariate risk factors for operative death, but only age was an independent predictor on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients coming to surgery presented in childhood and were significantly symptomatic. More than half underwent valve replacement or repair, but a considerable proportion had severe disease necessitating 1(1/2) ventricle repair or palliative procedures. Operative mortality did not differ significantly among repair, replacement, and 1(1/2) ventricle repair but was associated with palliative procedures for severe disease early in life, young age being the only independent predictor of operative death.

Trombo Livre Intra-Auricular Direito e Embolia Pulmonar

Os autores descrevem um caso de um doente com uma neoplasia da bexiga inoperável, internado por um quadro de síncope e hipotensão arterial. Na avaliação do doente é efectuado um ecocardiograma que mostra a existência de um trombo livre ao nível das cavidades direitas e dilatação das mesmas que levou à hipótese diagnóstica de embolia pulmonar. Perante a existência de uma neoplasia com hemorragia recente, algumas dúvidas terapêuticas surgiram, tendo sido iniciado heparina. Devido a agravamento da situação, com hipertensão pulmonar grave e presença de volumosos trombos ao nível de ambos os ramos da artéria pulmonar visualizados por ecocardiografia transesofágica, o doente acabou por ser submetido a trombólise, embora com algumas alterações ao esquema habitualmente realizado. O doente melhorou, sendo o ecocardiograma final normal.

Colestase Intra-Hepática da Gravidez Casuística da Maternidade do Hospital Dona Estefânia

Introdução: A CIHG é uma patologia que surge habitualmente na 2ª metade da gestação e tem carácter recorrente. Objectivo: Determinar a incidência da patologia, o outcome obstétrico e fetal das grávidas com diagnóstico de CIHG. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, de Janeiro/2004 a Outubro/2010. Variáveis estudadas: referentes à grávida (idade, antecedentes obstétricos), gravidez (idade gestacional ao diagnóstico, conduta clínica) e parto (incluindo complicações intra-parto), bem como complicações maternas/fetais pós-parto. Resultados: 57 grávidas (incidência 0,41% - 57/14053), com idade média 31,5±5,8 anos, 56,1% nulíparas e 36% com antecedentes pessoais de CIHG. A sintomatologia surgiu em média às 33,8±3,1 semanas (S). Em 55,9% procedeu-se a internamento imediato (IG 35±2,7S), 44,1% foram vigiadas em ambulatório (IG 32,1±3S), em média durante 3,7±1,9S. 57,9% necessitaram de terapêutica médica. Em 65% procedeu-se a indução do trabalho de parto, na maioria dos casos pela idade gestacional (≥37S); 17,5% iniciaram trabalho de parto espontâneo (70% pré-termo). Cesariana em 38,6%, das quais 72,7% em âmbito de urgência. 22,2% de casos de CTG intra-parto não tranquilizador e em 15,8%,líquido amniótico meconial. A idade gestacional média ao nascimento foi 36,2±2,2S; 38,6% RN prematuros (2/3 iatrogénicos), tendo-se verificado 1 caso de hemorragia pós-parto, 3 de febre puerperal e 1 de asfixia neonatal grave. Discussão: Patologia de baixa incidência, recorrente, atingindo frequentemente grávidas de grupo etário superior. Associa-se a marcada iatrogenia, prematuridade, risco de distócia e sofrimento fetal intra-parto. Estes dados estão de acordo com a literatura.

Hopelessness and Related Variables among Cancer Patients in the Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study (SEPOS).

BACKGROUND: Although hopelessness has been studied in cancer, no data are available in non-English-speaking countries. OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to amass data from Southern European countries (Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland) in order to fill this void. METHOD: A group of 312 cancer patients completed the Mini-MAC Hopelessness subscale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Cancer Worry Inventory (CWI), and a six-item Visual Analog scale (VAS) to measure intensity of physical symptoms, general well-being, difficulty in coping with cancer, intensity of social support from close relationships, leisure activity, and support from religious beliefs. RESULTS: Regression analysis indicated that HADS-Depression, VAS Maladaptive Coping and Well-Being, and the CWI explained 42% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Hopelessness in cancer patients seems not exclusively to correspond to depression, but is related to various other psychosocial factors, such as maladaptive coping, as well.

A Communication Intervention for Training Southern European Oncologists to Recognize Psychosocial Morbidity in Cancer. I - Development of the Model and Preliminary Results on Physicians' Satisfaction

BACKGROUND: The detection of psychosocial distress is a significant communication problem in Southern Europe and other countries. Work in this area is hampered by a lack of data. Because not much is known about training aimed at improving the recognition of psychosocial disorders in cancer patients, we developed a basic course model for medical oncology professionals. METHODS: A specific educational and experiential model (12 hours divided into 2 modules) involving formal teaching (ie, journal articles, large-group presentations), practice in small groups (ie, small-group exercises and role playing), and discussion in large groups was developed with the aim of improving the ability of oncologists to detect emotional disturbances in cancer patients (ie, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders). RESULTS: A total of 30 oncologists from 3 Southern European countries (Italy, Portugal, and Spain) participated in the workshop. The training course was well accepted by most participants who expressed general satisfaction and a positive subjective perception of the utility of the course for clinical practice. Of the total participants, 28 physicians (93.3%) thought that had they been exposed to this material sooner, they would have incorporated the techniques received in the workshop into their practices; 2 participants stated they would likely have done so. Half of the doctors (n = 15) believed that their clinical communication techniques were improved by participating in the workshop, and the remaining half thought that their abilities to communicate with cancer patients had improved. CONCLUSIONS: This model is a feasible approach for oncologists and is easily applicable to various oncology settings. Further studies will demonstrate the effectiveness of this method for improving oncologists skills in recognizing emotional disorders in their patients with cancer.

Sistemas de Derivação de Fluxo no Tratamento de Aneurismas Intra-Cranianos - Resultados aos Seis Meses de Seguimento

A reconstrução endoluminal com sistemas de derivação de fluxo (flow diverter devices) constitui uma técnica inovadora no tratamento de aneurismas intra-cranianos. Estes novos stents, auto-expansíveis e de reduzida porosidade, são libertados através de microcateterização da artéria portadora do aneurisma, reconstruindo assim a sua parede e excluindo a formação aneurismática da circulação arterial. Neste trabalho mostramos os resultados preliminares obtidos no tratamento de 10 doentes no Hospital de São José, Lisboa. Estes doentes, com aneurismas de colo largo (> 4mm) ou ratio saco/colo não favorável (< 1,5), foram tratados com o sistema PIPELINE®, e estudos angiográficos de controlo foram efectuados aos três e seis meses. Novo controlo será feito aos 12 meses. A idade media dos doentes envolvidos é de 54,3 anos, oito doentes são do sexo feminino e dois doentes do sexo masculino. Os aneurismas foram incidentalmente descobertos em dois doentes e os restantes foram diagnosticados no contexto de investigação imagiológica por cefaleias (n = 3), defeito de campo visual (n = 1), vertigens (n = 1) e parésia de pelo menos um par craniano (n = 2). Em apenas dois doentes foi observada hemorragia subaracnoideia e outros dois doentes foram submetidos a terapêutica endovascular prévia, com espiras metálicas. As localizações dos aneurismas tratados são o segmento M1/M2 da artéria cerebral média (n = 1) e os segmentos da artéria carótida interna para-oftálmico (n = 6), oftálmico (n = 2) e cavernoso (n = 4). Treze aneurismas intra-cranianos foram tratados uma vez que três doentes apresentavam múltiplos aneurismas. Os estudos de controlo efectuados demonstram um grau de oclusão médio aos três meses de 74% e aos seis meses de 86%. Não se observou qualquer redução das dimensões do saco de um dos aneurismas para-oftálmico. A experiência deste serviço é muito favorável a utilização de sistemas de derivação de fluxo no tratamento de aneurismas seleccionados, tendo obtido taxas de oclusão elevadas dados os desafios existentes na terapêutica deste tipo de aneurismas.

Complicações Tromboembólicas Durante a Terapêutica Endovascular de Aneurismas Rotos Intra-Cranianos - Profilaxia e Terapêutica

As complicações tromboembólicas são as mais frequentemente reportadas durante a terapêutica endovascular de aneurismas intracranianos com espiras metálicas. A frequência deste tipo de complicação varia na literatura, contudo autores referem uma incidência entre 2,5 e 28%. Diversos mecanismos poderão estar envolvidos na formação e migração do trombo: pode ser já preexistente no interior do aneurisma a tratar e deslocar-se para o vaso portador; pode formar-se de novo na superfície das espiras ou dos cateteres utilizados; ou ainda no eventual colo residual se o grau de oclusão não for completo. Estudos demonstraram maior incidência de complicações tromboembólicas em aneurismas de colo largo. Neste trabalho discutimos a importância e justificação de medidas utilizadas na prevenção de complicações tromboembólicas durante e após a terapêutica endovascular de aneurismas rotos intra-cranianos. Referem-se ainda as opções e estratégias a adoptar na eventualidade de uma oclusão vascular ser detectada durante o procedimento, como a administração de inibidores da glicoproteina IIb/IIIa ou mesmo a libertação de stents intra-cranianos. Diversos casos exemplificativos são exibidos. A prevenção de complicações tromboembólicas e a rápida actuação perante a oclusão vascular são essenciais para a melhoria do prognóstico dos doentes submetidos a terapêutica endovascular de aneurismas rotos. O conhecimento profundo das opções disponíveis é essencial para a persecução desse objectivo.

Resultados Obtidos com o Sistema Intra-Uterino com Levonorgestrel. Avaliação do Grau de Satisfação

A menorragia é uma causa importante de ansiedade e desconforto na mulher. Esta patologia diminui a qualidade de vida e aumenta o número de consultas na área da Ginecologia, com consequente aumento de custos. Material e métodos: Foi efectuado um questionário por telefone e na consulta de Ginecologia da MAC, a 54 das 69 mulheres que colocaram sistema intra-uterino com levonorgestrel no período de Setembro de 2002 a Setembro 2004. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmteros: medicação anterior, padrão hemorrágico, efeitos secundários e grau de satisfação. Resultados: Ocorreu expulsão em 11,6% dos casos. Não houve remoções motivadas por efeitos secundários. O grau de satisfação foi de 90,7%. Em 87% dos casos voltariam a colocar e 83,3% das utentes aconselhariam este método a outra mulher. Conclusão: O sistema intra-uterino com levonorgestrel é bem aceite e tem uma elevada eficácia no controle da menorragia. O spotting pós inserção é mais frequente nos primeiros 6 a 12 meses, levando a uma diminuição da compliance caso não haja uma explicação prévia dos possíveis efeitos secundários.